giving up smoking, tips and tricks pl... - Lung Conditions C...
giving up smoking, tips and tricks please! have tried and tried,need help as have done all the obviouse!
Altering your routines may help so that the big triggers are removed, for example after meals or with a drink. Getting support from family and friends may also help. You can also post your progress on here so that we can offer encouragement and support. But the best trick by far is making up your mind to stop. It may sound silly but we often "try" to stop smoking because we are told we should or think we should. And this can be difficult. But once you make up your mind that it is the right time for you it generally works. Good luck.
I would advise go to dedicated quit smoking sites you will get loads of tips and tricks and support and be with others who are quitting, I think that may be your best option if you have tried most things. Below a couple of sites for you to check out one here at Unlocked, one NHS smokefree site. LOts of information I hope these sites are of help to you:
Quit Support at Unlocked: quitsupport.healthunlocked....
NHS Smokefree: smokefree.nhs.uk/
Wishing you every success in your decision to stop and stay smoke free.
Hi Hajoed
Giving up smoking can be one of the hardest things to do, it is incredibly addictive physically and psychologically.
It can take people a few go's before finally beating it, so try not to give yourself a hard time if you don't manage it.
The fact that you wat to stop is the first important step - the next is finding the help and support that will work for you - groups, telephone support, counselling etc. Then there is the option of Nictotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - gum - patches etc.
The following link is for the BLF booklet ok stopping smoking:
blf.org.uk/Page/Stopping-sm...
As Zoee has said there is lots of support out there - don't give up if it dosen't work, you will get there!
As always you can call us on the helpline - 03000 030 555.
Best Wishes
Jo
Something to consider, it worked for both myself and my partner, is the dual NRT approach. Basically you use nicotine patches during the day and have a nicotine inhalator for times when you get strong urges. My nurse was kind enough to allow me to try this method and it worked a treat. Dont get me wrong it still requires will power and everyone on this site will be rooting for you. Good luck.... 
I used the micro nicotine tabs only thing is I've become addicted to them now. My dr assures me they are quite safe but they are expensive and I hate being dependent on them.
Having said all that they were very effective in getting me of the cigs and now I would much rather have one of the tabs that a cig.
Thanks everyone, great support as always. Will look at all your suggestions. Have contacted the electronic people and had a chat with them. Very positive as indeed you all are. Thanks for not beating me up over smoking, means a lot! I will work towards this and report back in about two weeks.
Jane
My husband has COPD and also had an operation to remove his oesophagus 12 months ago due to cancer - unrelated to smoking. EXACTLY 12 before he was told he had cancer he had packed up smoking! - because of the COPD his doctor told him that if he didn't pack up would be on oxygen within the next 2 years. He went on a program using ZYBAN - and after smoking all his life (he was 59 at the time) he stopped completely after 2 weeks. He has, and will not ever again, smoked since - AND his surgeon told him that if he had still been a smoker he would not have operated on him for his cancer - SO LUCKY. Good luck - try it - but you have to want to - maybe my hubby's story will help because if he hadn't had his cancer op he had 12 months to live - and, although not at all related to smoking, all he had was indigestion as a symptom that led to his discovery - SO pleased he had stopped smoking - Good Luck
Thank you, Zyban now on my list. I do appreciate your help and hope your husband recovers well from his op.
Jane
HI before i stopped smoking i sent for a quit kit off the net and it helped me a lot to stop when i was told i had copd i was given 2 inhalers spiriva and a blue inhalerwhich has helped me i have moderate copd reddy
Chamix did it for me. It has higher success rates even than Zyban.
Lynne x
Thanks Lnne, have tried Champix, did not help me. Looked into Zyban and so far side effects outweigh considering as an option. I treasure everyones information and support with this and will look into every suggestion. The answer is inside me but like having a broken leg, right now ,I need crutches.
Can I say this on here.....I have had more support from you guys than I had from two 'no smoking' professionals in the last three years. Thank you.
I like you tried to give up over a number of years, but the only thing that helped me were to use lozenges. Tesco do one called Nic Aid, and Boots do one called Nic Assist. For me none of the other over the counter things helped.
Hope this is of some help.
Wait 10 minutes when you get the urge. You can still have that cigarette if you must but the urge usually passes first. Also, don't keep your cigarettes in an easy place to grab and move their location from time to time to change you routine.
You have to want to quit for yourself and no one else. Family members must get that if you shame, guilt, and hassle someone about smoking it makes them want to do it all that much more. This is true with any addiction.
I am going into town so will get some of those Nic Assist and give tham a try. Thank you 1redkite.
Thanks dweebett, I know they care especially when I am gasping for breath, you are all giving me so much help. Mark and Jo at BLF said you would.
The kindness of strangers...isn't that lovely.
Jane
Make or get yourself a calendar to chart your progress. Mark off each day (or half day to start with if you like) that you've managed to go without a cigarette. That way you get to see for yourself how well you're doing. It's not easy, but it can be done.
Don't just stop randomly. Decide when your last cigarette is going to be, and make it that. I suggest making it your last cigarette of the day, whichever day you choose, so that you can start a new day with a new cigarette-free life.
Whatever you do, good luck!
Thank you. I like the plan...especialy the half day bit. Makes it sound less daunting. I will let all my helpers know when I choose the day and then bore the pants off you all with the hoped for progress.
Jane
Hi hajoed, this is a popular subject! I used to smoke 30 odd cigs a day for around 40 years and had tried so many times to give up and failed. I finally managed it 3 years ago by saying to myself, just wait an hour before the next one, when that hour was up I'd try another hour and so on. During the first couple of weeks I lit about 6 cigs but straightaway I realised it wasn't giving me the feeling of pleasure and comfort when the smoke hits the back of your throat the way I thought it would, and put the cigs out after only a few drags. My condition (severe emphysema) improved very quickly BUT since then it has continued to deteriorate. Just because you stop the cigs doesn't mean your condition will stop worsening, but it will slow it down so the sooner you can give up, the better. After I gave up my brother in law and a friend gave up, both saying they thought if I could do it (being the most die hard smoker!) so could they. Fortunately for them they don't have any smoking related disease and now probably won't get one. I just wish I'd done it 15 years ago when I was first diagnosed. I was, and still am, astonished at how bloody easy it was!! Good luck and never give up giving up! Cigs pretend to be your best friends, but they're your worst enemy. Libby x
Make the decision to quit. Stick to that decision, when you get a craving to smoke remind yourself that you have made the decision to quit, cravings only last for 30 seconds they will be more frequent at first, your decision to quit has to be stronger then your craving to smoke, Also google never take another puff ( it's a stop smoking site) it as loads of good advice. Don't believe all the hype that you can stop unless you use NRT you can do it without it if you put your mind to it.
Kind regards
Warren
When I was told I had COPD, nasty cough for number of years, I was visited by a COPD nurse. I asked him what was the best way to help myself, and he said give up smoking.... I started from the next day, got patches and lozenges and whatever else I could get, and replaced those cigs....I smoked at least 40 a day or more.... For at least 40+ years, and loved it... I also love life, my grandchildren, my family, and cigs don't fit in with that! You beat those receptors... Get your life back xxxxx Kate.
First of all ,YOU must REALLY REALLY want to give up, otherwise you will be just fighting yourself.
And you will win every time, and give in to the smokes.
As I mentioned in a earlier post, I smoked for 50 years, and when I wanted to give up, I simply told myself I don't smoke. I don't want a smoke because I don't smoke.
I guess what I'm saying is, don't look for outside help, as I have done myself. (patches chewies etc) it MUST come from within. It was so easy as soon as I WANTED to give up.
I smoked for years and last year my breathing was so bad I had to give up, but I used one of those electronic cigarrettes, and it was fantastic. I wasnt diagnosed with copd till a year later. Mind you I didnt have much choice I couldnt breathe. Good luck! It took me 3 weeks to give up!
Getting close to making the break. Keith, need the crutches at the moment. Katie Trin and soothsayer...electronic cig is getting a lot of support.
This is where I am going to start. I know not the day or the hour but when it comes I shall post it on here in huge letters.
So much good information...plans for guidance...delay fag mechanisms...alternative methods...diary posting...and most of all...non judgemental support.
Thank you all and BLF for the good wishes.
Please google, ( NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF) website it has loads of help and support it may help you to get into the right frame of mind and help you stop smoking. I found it very helpful when i was quitting.
Best wishes
Warren
hi hajoed,
I'm on day 14 of having quit and it's been a bit of a rollercoaster. I dont have a lung condition but my dad has severe COPD and is still smoking, i see him killing himself and that was a motivator in itself, the other things that swayed me were that we live in a rented property where the landlords dont permit smoking so I was having to go outside for a fag every time, nice in the summer, horrible with it being so cold and wet at the moment, also, the money it was costing me. At nearly £6 a day I figured if I give up now then i'll have more money for buying people christmas pressies and cards. you could try putting your fag money in a tin and at the end of the week / month buy yourself or someone else a treat you wouldnt have been able to afford if you were still smoking. I started off by saying to myself once i'd finished my packet I wasnt going to buy any more so quit at 4pm 2 weeks ago and I've stuck to that and so far have saved £80.64!! I am using dual NRT. I have the patches and for when the cravings get really bad (particularly after eating), i use the inhalator as it helps to have something in my hand and put it to my mouth - it's the habit rather than the nicotine as i've figured out it makes no difference whether or not the inhalator has a capsule in or not i still get the relief from the cravings. Also, just before bed when I'd be having my last fag of the day, I changed my routine to a pamper one, now instead I have a nice hot shower, brush my teeth and got myself some nice face and body creams so feel thoroughly chilled and relaxed ready for bed - without the need for that last nicotine fix. Apparently the NHS stop smoking services and smoking cessations are good - not tried yet, my first meeting is next Monday by which time I will have been quit for 20 days anyways but will let everyone know when I've been and if it was any good for me. Good luck on your journey. Keep us posted!
TJ
and good luck on your journey too! Saving money is a good incentive and once I flip the switch I will do as you have done and put the money in a tin each day. Hope you find the NHS meeting good for you. Getting closer to NS day, thank you for the support.
Jane
